Shattered Sea by Catherine Cowles

Author:Catherine Cowles [Cowles, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The PageSmith LLC

23

Boden

I pulled into a parking spot in front of The Gallery. Turning off the engine, I sat there for a moment, just watching. Laiken was talking to a couple I didn’t recognize. A smile curved her lips, but there was something false about it. Even a dozen yards away, I could read the lines of strain bracketing her mouth. I couldn’t tell if they were there from physical pain or emotional.

The couple shook Laiken’s hand and exited the gallery as I climbed out of my truck. I double-checked to make sure the window was cracked, but Peaches didn’t stir when I shut my door, just kept snoring away. My gaze tracked Laiken as I moved towards the door.

She turned as the bell sounded, a forced smile on her face. It melted away the second she saw me. That small action eased something in me. Laiken wasn’t pretending around me anymore.

I crossed the space, my boots echoing on the polished cement floor. I pulled her into my arms. “What’s wrong?”

“Long day. A friend who was in the accident with me showed up. It wasn’t the easiest conversation. A lot of things to get sorted before the next opening. Patrons coming in. I’m just so tired.” Laiken tipped forward, letting her head fall against my chest.

She was leaning. Reaching out. Seeking comfort. It felt so damn good. And I hoped I didn’t ruin it by what I was about to say next. “Can you pack a bag?”

Laiken straightened, blinking a few times. “To spend the night?”

“I got a line on a cabin we can use for a few days. It’s high up in the mountains. I think it’ll be a great place to unplug, take some photos, relax.”

“I have to work—”

“I talked to Gilly and Addie. They can cover for you.”

Her mouth fell open. “You talked to Gilly and Addie?”

The corner of my mouth kicked up. “I do know how to use a phone.”

Laiken scowled at me. “That’s not what I meant. You know, you’re very pushy.”

I nuzzled the side of her neck, breathing in the scent that was only Laiken’s. “Not pushy. I go after what I want.”

“Spoiled.”

I grinned against her neck. “Maybe a little.”

“This is the last thing I should be agreeing to.”

“Why’s that?”

Laiken pulled back a fraction, her amber eyes glowing. “A million different reasons.”

There was such pain in those words. A fear I could feel skating across my skin. “But you’re saying yes anyway.”

“I am.”

The feel of victory surged through me, and I laced my fingers with Laiken’s. “We’ll go as slowly as you want. But I’m damn happy you’re taking the first step.”

She rolled her lips together. “We’re going now?”

“Not giving you a chance to change your mind.”

Her eyes flashed. “That’s why you didn’t say anything last night or whenever you cooked up this scheme, isn’t it?”

“I’m not stupid.”

She grumbled something about pushy men under her breath as she headed towards the back of the gallery. Gizmo’s tags jingled as he got up from his bed. He let out a bark when he saw me, charging over.

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